Two new little libraries installed in Leeds

CELEBRATION: Locals welcome the new Little Library.

The Leeds Little Free Library scheme, which has been sweeping the city over the past year or so, has now seen its 25th go up on Holtdale View, Holt Park, and its 26th at Quarry Mount Primary School in Woodhouse.

The kiosks house a range of books which people can borrow or replace to create an ever-changing free library within easy access of the community.

The library on Holtdale View was made possible thanks to fundraising by years 10 and 11 students at the nearby Ralph Thoresby School, though their work towards a Diana Award, a national scheme which recognises projects creating positive social change - both within school and in the community.

Their in-school project focused on anti-bullying and self-esteem but in the community, they decided to fundraise for a Little Free Library.

Assistant headteacher Riain Vernon, who helped run the project along with learning mentor Lornette Mutteto, said: “The pupils did things like baking, which they’d sell at break and lunch, non-uniform day and other lunchtime activities such as painting glitter on kids’ faces for 50p. They raised about £800.”

Left-over fundraising cash was also put towards the Quarry Mount school library.

Headteacher Rebecca Pettman said: “We are all really excited about the Little Free Library and looking forward to promoting the love of reading. The children are really excited about exchanging the books.

Reading is incredibly important at Quarry Mount. We’ve been working really hard over a number of years, because we’re such a diverse community and some of the children are new to English here, so it’s a fundamental aspect of children’s development that we’re keen to promote.”

Carry Franklin, founder of the Leeds Little Free Library said: “We are so pleased with how fast the project has grown. It’s been totally grassroots, with communities all over Leeds requesting their own libraries and now it has snowballed into a little movement. It is beginning to look like Leeds will be the ‘Home of the Little Free Library’, which is fantastic.”